Health risks of black mold and proper cleaning methods?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and I’m starting to panic. I’ve just pulled our sofa away from the wall in our Jumeirah villa and found a huge patch of black mold spreading behind it, probably from a slow leak in the AC unit. What are the actual health risks from living with this, and how do I get it properly cleaned?
Posted by Barbara Thomas
Asked on May 16, 2026 5:40 am
Black mold exposure can cause significant respiratory irritation, especially in children. The constant coughing is a common symptom, along with nasal congestion, throat irritation, and worsened asthma or allergies. The risk is higher in enclosed spaces with constant exposure, like a bedroom or living area. For infants or anyone with a compromised immune system, the effects can be more severe.

In Dubai's climate, this is a frequent issue. High humidity and year-round AC use create perfect conditions for mold behind furniture or on cold walls where condensation forms. A slow AC leak is a typical culprit.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing a large patch releases a massive amount of spores into your home's air, potentially making the health situation worse. The first step is to identify and stop the moisture source. Have an AC technician inspect and repair the suspected leak immediately.

For remediation, professional containment and removal are necessary for a patch of significant size. Reputable companies will seal off the area, use HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores, and safely remove contaminated materials. They should also be able to conduct post-remediation verification testing to confirm the spore count in the air has returned to acceptable levels. This is the only way to be sure the environment is safe for your family again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 17, 2026 1:30 am